2.4- resource management Flashcards
Name the 4 methods of production
- job production
- batch production
- flow production
- cell production
What is job production
making one-off items to suit customers individual requirements
What is batch production
makes group of products to 1 specification at a time , allowing some variation in products, yet some specialisation
What is flow production
continuous production of a single standardised product
What is cell production
involves organising workers into small groups/ cells that can produce range of different products more quickly then job production
Name 2 benefits of job production
- charge higher price -> products made to exact needs
- work is more interesting for staff
Name 2 drawbacks of job production
- cost per unit- very high due to high skill & low levels of production
- finding staff with enough skill is hard, pay will be high
Name 2 benefits of batch production
- allows variation in product made
- faster then job production as making a batch speeds up production
Name 2 drawbacks of batch production
- more costly to set up then job production due to machinery
- cost per unit will be higher then flow as machinery will need to be adjusted
Name 2 benefits of flow production
- unit labour costs are extremely low
- huge volumes allow huge demand in mass markets to be met
Name 2 drawbacks of flow production
- high initial costs of installing machinery
- products need to be identical
Name 2 benefits of cell production
- group working allows ideas to be shared for improvements
- can adjust products to suit customers needs
Name 2 drawbacks of cell production
- costs still high as heavily relies on people
- production volume wont be as high as flow production
What is productivity
measure of efficiency of the production process. output per worker per time period
Give the equation for productivity
total output / number of workers
Name the3 key factors influencing productivity
- quality and age of machinery
- skills and experience of workers
- level of employee motivation
How are productivity and competitiveness linked
- higher levels of productivity -> lower unit costs -> sell at lower price -> more competitive
What is efficiency
measures how resources generate output without wastage
How does quality and age of machinery effect productivity and efficiency
- new machinery works faster -> breaks down less
fewer breakdowns -> fewer faults -> newer machinery produces with more accuracy
How do skills and experience of workers effect productivity and efficiency
high skilled staff -> produce quicker -> more experience -> complete tasks quicker
skilled staff make fewer mistakes, experienced staff can spot problems -> product made quicker
How can level of employee motivation effect productivity and efficiency
motivated staff -> more focused -> work quicker
more motivated -> more pride in work -> less errors
What is labour intensive production
production process relies heavily on human input with little use of automation
What is capital intensive production
uses high levels of automation, reducing role of humans, replacing them with machines
Name 2 key issues with labour intensive production
- labour costs -> very high
- managing labour costs- critical, may force firm to move abroad
Name 2 key issues with capital intensive production
- initial costs will be very high, with the need to invest specialist machinery
- low running costs
What is capacity
maximum possible output of a business